Godalming Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw Godalming maintain its status as a relatively low-crime area, with a recorded crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents — 51.6% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure places the area well within the safer end of the national spectrum, consistent with its character as a mid-sized built-up area within Waverley. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (30.6% of total), followed by shoplifting (22.2%) and public order offences (16.7%). While violence and sexual offences remain significantly below UK averages (57% below), shoplifting and public order offences show divergent patterns, with the latter category exceeding the UK average by 22%. Seasonal factors likely play a role, as February's low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may reduce opportunities for certain crimes while amplifying tensions in public spaces. The area's relatively low overall rate suggests a combination of community cohesion, effective policing, and the influence of its suburban character, where residential density is lower than in major urban centres. However, the presence of retail hubs and local amenities may explain the prominence of shoplifting and public order incidents, which often correlate with high-traffic areas.

The most striking shift in February 2026 was a 500% increase in public order offences, rising from one incident to six. This surge, though small in absolute terms, highlights a potential spike in disputes or disruptions during the winter months. Concurrently, theft from the person and 'other crime' categories both saw 100% increases, though these remain minor contributors to the overall crime picture. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 90% (from 10 to 1), likely reflecting seasonal factors or targeted interventions. Violent crimes, which accounted for 30.6% of all incidents, remained 57% below the UK average — a consistent trend that may be influenced by Godalming's suburban nature, where social cohesion and community policing likely contribute to lower rates of violent conflict. Shoplifting, while still below the UK average (21% above), illustrates the impact of retail presence in the area, with high streets and local shops serving as focal points for such offences. The data also reveals that criminal damage and arson fell 35% below the UK average, a pattern often seen in areas with strong community engagement and fewer industrial or commercial properties vulnerable to such acts.

February 2026's crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 represents a 16.4% decrease from the previous month's rate of 3.7 per 1,000, indicating a modest but notable improvement in local safety metrics. On a daily basis, this translates to approximately one reported crime per day across Godalming's population of 11,597 residents — a figure that, while not insignificant, remains far below the levels seen in larger urban areas. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 322 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the area's relatively secure environment. When compared to the previous month, the decline in crime appears to align with the seasonal context of February, a time when colder weather and reduced outdoor activity may naturally suppress certain types of criminal behaviour. However, the sharp increase in public order offences suggests that other factors — such as increased foot traffic during holiday periods or changes in local event calendars — may have introduced new dynamics. The population-scaled perspective further reinforces that Godalming's crime profile remains distinct from both the UK average and its own historical trends, with its suburban character likely playing a role in maintaining lower rates of violent and property-related crimes.